Volunteer English Program Honors Its Tutor of the Year; Next Tutor Training Sessions Held in Coatesville

Six years ago, the Volunteer English Program of Chester County, which provides one-to-one English language and cultural immersion tutoring to immigrants and refugees, began the tradition of honoring a “Hamilton Tutor of the Year.” The award honors the legacy and vision of VEP’s founder, June Hamilton.

Dr. Mark DeWitte was recognized with this award during VEP’s annual Global Gathering, which brings together students, tutors, and friends for a dinner to celebrate the organization’s diverse cultural heritage.

Each VEP tutor is typically paired with a single immigrant non-native speaker, meeting twice a week, morning through evening, on whatever days work best for the pair.

DeWitte has gone above and beyond this typical commitment, providing more than 800 lifetime hours over the past three and a half years to three students.

His devotion to the ideals of social justice for our immigrant and refugee neighbors, participation in numerous VEP professional development workshops and tutor socials, and willingness to share his experience and insights with other tutors continue to enrich the organization’s mission.

His outreach to colleagues and friends has inspired them to support VEP’s philanthropic efforts and even become tutors themselves.

If you would like to become a VEP tutor, join DeWitte and others at one of several regionally convenient tutor training sessions. The next training will be held from 1-4 PM on Wednesday, Feb. 6, Friday, Feb. 8, and Monday, Feb. 11 at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel near Coatesville. There is a $35 fee for materials and training, and light refreshments will be provided.